Oath of Secrecy

Background of the American Revolution

In prepartion for war, the members of the Second Continental Congress bind themselves to secrecy.

… and that if any member shall violate this agreement he shall be expelled from this Congress & deemed an enemy to the liberties of America …

Oath of Secrecy.

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In Congress Novr. 9th“: 1775.

RESOLVED, That every member of this Congress, consider himself, under the ties of virtue, honor and love of his country, not to divulge directly or indirectly any matter or thing agitated or debated in Congress before the same shall have been determined in Congress; nor any matter determined in Congress which a majority of the Congress shall order to be kept secret, and that if any member shall violate this agreement he shall be expelled from this Congress & deemed an enemy to the liberties of America and liable to be treated as such & that every member signify his assent to this agreement by signing the same.